Dec. 12, 2005

During the early signing period, Florida Atlantic University signed two volleyball players to National Letters of Intent. Nikki Hartman and Lauren Ditscheit have both agreed to play for the Owls in 2006.

Currently a senior at Winter Park High School, Hartman earned All-Area and All-State honors as an outside hitter/libero. During her junior year she was selected to play for Team Florida.

"Nikki comes from a very strong volleyball background and is a very talented athlete," said head coach Jody Brown. "We look for her to make an impact from the beginning with her backcourt skills and competitive attitude."

A setter from Wauwatosa, WI, Ditscheit is a three-time All-Conference, two-time All-Area and conference MVP recipient. She is also a member of the Milwaukee Sting volleyball club. The Wauwatosa West High School senior is also an honor roll, National Art Honor Society and National Honor Society member.

"Lauren is a very athletic and competitive setter," said Brown. "While playing for the Milwaukee Sting she will compete in some of the top Junior tournaments in the country this spring."

The FAU volleyball program is coming off of its most successful season in school history. The team captured the Atlantic Sun Conference Title and advanced to its third NCAA Tournament after finishing with a 29-3 record.